Flick chalks out plans to cope with Barcelona superstar’s absence as pessimism over injury grows | OneFootball

According to Javi Miguel of AS, FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has already begun preparing for the opening months of the season without Frenkie de Jong.

There are growing indications that the Dutch midfielder faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines because of a serious knee injury sustained in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Although the club has yet to officially announce the extent of the problem in De Jong’s right knee, the outlook is increasingly concerning.

What was initially expected to be an absence of around four months could ultimately prove even longer, forcing Flick to rethink his plans for the midfield.

Growing signs of a long-term absence

De Jong was due to report back to Barcelona’s training facilities on July 20, but has yet to do so. The delay, combined with the absence of an official medical update, has only strengthened expectations that the injury is more serious than first believed.

De Jong could be out for more than four months. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The midfielder underwent an initial examination on July 13, but heavy swelling in the knee prevented doctors from carrying out a definitive MRI scan.

A second assessment was conducted four days later once the inflammation had subsided, revealing a far less encouraging diagnosis.

The continued delay in announcing the results is also believed to be linked to discussions over the specialist who would perform a potential operation, with surgery now widely viewed as the most likely solution.

Flick adjusts his plans

According to the report, De Jong is no longer included in Flick’s short-term planning for the start of the new season.

The Dutch international is not expected to travel for Barcelona’s pre-season camp in England, participate in the triangular tournament in Udine, feature in the Joan Gamper Trophy, or be available for the club’s opening La Liga match against Elche.

Instead, the coaching staff has begun placing greater emphasis on other midfield options.

Set for a prominent role. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Marc Bernal is expected to play a much more prominent role after impressing Flick, who reportedly has great confidence in the young midfielder’s abilities.

Academy player Xavi Espart, naturally a right-back but also capable of operating as a defensive midfielder, has likewise entered the conversation following his performances at the recent UEFA Under-19 European Championship.

Barcelona angry and frustrated

Within the club, frustration is said to be growing over the circumstances surrounding De Jong’s injury.

Barcelona believe the Netherlands national team mishandled the situation, claiming the midfielder was allowed to play while already carrying the injury during the match against Morocco.

Club officials are said to be unhappy with the decisions made by the Dutch coaching and medical staff, believing greater caution should have been exercised.

Should De Jong ultimately remain sidelined for more than four months, the Blaugrana could receive compensation from FIFA through its Club Protection Programme, with the payout potentially approaching €2 million.

For now, however, the priority for Flick is adapting without one of his key midfielders as Barcelona prepare for the new season.